Balcón Criollo Collection

Balcón Criollo is a permanent and ever-growing exhibition that honors the history and culture of Hispanic communities in Syracuse and across Central New York. A gallery-wide installation features over a hundred community-sourced photographs, collectibles, relics, family keepsakes, devotional images and other meaningful pieces that relate the real-life stories of our Latino families and communities. A model inspired by the work of Puerto Rican artist Pepón Osorio, the project evolves from the spirit of his vision, which uniquely bridges museum installation with fiel-based community engagement. The porch or balcón is a symbol of the part of our lives and our homes where we interact with our community.
The first-ever Balcon Criollo installation was in 2013 at La Casita Cultural Center and included artwork, community artifacts, photographs, and more to represent the diversity of the Hispanic community in Syracuse and beyond. The exhibition was a collaboration amongst Luz Encarnacion, La Casita staff, and community members.